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But she quickly spotted a flaw in Rafael’s words. “Fairly complete? That means it’s not entirely sufficient.”
Rafael nodded, his admiration for Sophie always evident in his gaze.
“That’s right. The family, including her, consisted of thirteen people. She killed twelve of them-her father-in-law, husband, and three sons, all of whom were in good health, as well as her mother-in-law and two unmarried daughters. The remaining victims were servants and maids.
“The issue is that this incident happened at dusk, not in the dead of night when everyone was asleep. After dinner, she suddenly turned violent, grabbed a kitchen knife, and killed everyone. This woman had no martial skills and was known to be ill, requiring long-term medication.”
“A sickly, somewhat harsh person could kill one person, but they’d be quickly subdued. Were they all poisoned? Did they all lose consciousness?” Sophie asked.
“No, they were all awake. Neighbors who witnessed the scene said the woman seemed to have gone mad and possessed extraordinary strength. She killed anyone she saw. If those neighbors hadn’t fled quickly and locked themselves in their homes, they might have been killed too. The local authorities have verified that the wounds and the murder weapon match.”
Sophie understood why Rafael had been hesitant to authorize the review of the death penalty. The case did indeed have its doubts, but there were reasons for the widespread uproar. With neighbors as witnesses, the woman’s own confession, and the matching of the weapon with the injuries, it seemed nearly impossible to avoid the conclusion.
“By the way, since the murders happened after dinner, have you checked the food?”
“No, because the bodies showed no signs of poisoning,” Rafael said. “I’m wondering if the woman might have been poisoned to make her go mad and gain superhuman strength. I’ve consulted several physicians, but they all say they’ve never heard of such a poison.”
Their gazes met, and they spoke in unison, “We can consult Sebastian!”
Rafael immediately changed his clothes and headed to Arcane Sanctum. He couldn’t wait any longer.
The case had stirred public outrage, with people clamoring for the woman to be executed in the most extreme manner. The Ministry of Justice was pressuring him, and most of the court officials were not on his side. Even if there were doubts, no one was willing to investigate further, given the eyewitnesses and the woman’s confession.
In light of these factors, the doubts seemed trivial.
The day after Rafael visited Arcane Sanctum, he summoned Patrick and his two deputy ministers to the Supreme Court.
Patrick was growing increasingly anxious, and said, “I truly don’t understand what further doubts you have, Your Highness. This case has stirred public outrage. If the review doesn’t proceed, the people will accuse the court of incompetence.”
Rafael replied, “Please be patient. I’ve called for Sebastian to explain some of the doubts, particularly regarding how the woman could have such extraordinary strength to kill twelve people. She had been on medication for a long time and was in poor health…”
Patrick interrupted him, “She was just hiding it! She was unhappy with her father-in-law and husband for a long time, feeling that they wasted money on charity. The woman was a miserly and mean-spirited person. She has already confessed, and there are eyewitnesses and matching evidence. If we let her go due to a minor doubt, what happens to the authority of the law?”
“What about her motive? What was her motive for killing her entire family? Even if she were bitter and resentful toward her father-in-law and husband, why kill her own children? Why not spare even the servants and maids?” Rafael countered.
Patrick tapped the table in frustration and said, “Didn’t she already confess? She suddenly decided they deserved to die, that they all should go to hell. Neighbor testimonies also show she had a poor relationship with her family. Her children didn’t care for her.
“Perhaps there was an argument at dinner, and in a moment of rage, she acted. You’re new to public office and haven’t seen many cases, but I’ve seen plenty where people kill in a fit of rage. In extreme anger, people can exhibit strength beyond their usual capacity. So, the doubts you have are not really doubts at all.”
Meanwhile, at Horizon Estate, Yuvan was listening to reports from his subordinates.
“In less than half a month, the entire Starhaven population will likely be discussing this matter and condemning the court’s inaction.”
Yuvan’s gaze remained indifferent as he turned the emerald ring on his thumb.
“That’s not enough. Keep spreading the word that Rafael, the Hell Monarch, is defending the woman to show he’s fit for the Supreme Court post he holds. Claim that he’s daring to defy public opinion for personal gain, and emphasize that he’s just a military man with no understanding of the law or public administration.
“Also, suggest that even the king is deceived by him. Because of Rafael’s immense accomplishments and influence, the king is forced to give him some regard.”
The subordinate asked, “Do you really believe he will order a reexamination, Your Highness?”
“Of course he will, if there are doubts.” Yuvan smiled faintly, a cold, bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. “I understand him well. He is meticulous about human lives. Anyone who values life so seriously will be extremely cautious. With such significant doubts, if he doesn’t call for a reexamination, he cannot reconcile with his own conscience.”
“Understood. I will proceed as instructed.” The subordinate saluted and exited swiftly, disappearing as he wrapped his cloak around him.
Yuvan’s lips curled into a playful smile. “Rafael, I want to see your reputation ruined and make sure you never hold military authority again. I want the entire kingdom to understand that you pose a threat to the throne, and that the king fears you, which would further discredit him.”
“Wayne!” he called out.
A middle-aged man in a gray cloak emerged from behind a partition screen depicting the landscape of a mountain scene.
He lowered his head in deference. “Yes, Your Highness!”
Yuvan inquired, “Is there any way to detect the parasitic toxin within the woman?”
Wayne’s voice was grave, “It can’t be detected. It’s just a tiny threadworm hidden in her brain. Even if they cut off her head, they won’t be able to detect it. The threadworm only responds to my commands, and for now, the woman won’t show any unusual signs.”
Yuvan nodded slightly. “Good.”
“There’s no need for concern, Your Highness. The governor of Brightmoor District is one of our own. Even if the case is sent back for reexamination, it will be presented to the capital as originally planned. The delay will only inflame public anger, which benefits us.”
Yuvan’s eyes were cold and venomous. “This plan has been in the works for a long time. There must be no mistakes. With Kiera’s wedding in August, I will use the opportunity to return to the capital. Before then, Rafael’s reputation must be thoroughly tarnished, and Salvador must be labeled as a foolish monarch.”
Wayne’s expression remained flat.
“Rest assured, Your Highness. This case is just the first step. If Prince Rafael decides to bypass a reexamination and directly executes the woman, we’ll have what we want. At that point, we will reveal that the woman was poisoned and driven mad by someone making Prince Rafael a murderer of innocents. Also, they still have the Westhaven matter to address.”
Yuvan toyed with the rim of his cup, his eyes dark with contemplation. “Yes, Freya must not be allowed to live. She must be killed to prevent Salvador from using her to placate publicoutrage. I want the people of Westhaven and Starhaven to have no outlet for their anger, and to direct all their fury at Salvador and the Sullivan family.”
“Understood!” Wayne nodded. “But there is no rush to act now. Currently, Marshal Liam is still obstructing the third prince… No, Westhaven’s crown prince now. We should deal with Marshal Liam first, and then move against Freya.”
Yuvan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. “You have confidence in killing Marshal Liam?”
“It is challenging, but it must be done,” Wayne replied calmly.
A flicker of ruthlessness appeared in Yuvan’s eyes. “Then, proceed. If you need any resources or funds, just let me know.”
Wayne frowned in thought before speaking slowly, “There were some underworld figures we could have used, but with so many martial artists arriving for the Hell Monarch and Lady Sophie’s wedding, using them might risk leaks.”
“That won’t do. Haven’t you trained any suicide soldiers?” Yuvan asked.
Wayne shook his head. “It is not yet time to deploy them. Training them is difficult, and losing them to Marshal Liam would be a waste.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Yuvan insisted, weighing the options. “Marshal Liam is an obstruction.
Once he is out of the way, there will be no one to stop Westhaven’s crown prince. He is focused on avenging his brother and redrawing the borders. He’ll only work with me once Marshal Liam is dead.”
Wayne began to speak again, but Yuvan raised a hand to silence him. “Use the suicide soldiers.”
Wayne had no choice but to agree, “As you say, Your Highness.”
Yuvan added, “Keep the news of the spreading rumors discreet. Ensure Rafael does not find out that it is our doing.”